What is the Logistics Supply Agreement (LSA)?

The Logistics Supply Agreement (LSA) is a bilateral agreement between two nations, designed to facilitate various joint activities. It allows for reciprocal access to each other's facilities.

Details of the Logistics Supply Agreement (LSA)

The LSA aims to facilitate greater interoperability between the nations involved. It provides support for conducting training in each other's areas and facilitates reciprocal support during activities such as disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and peacekeeping operations. It also allows access to each other's ports for purposes like berthing, fuelling, spare parts support, and repairs. The agreement even covers the rest and recuperation of crew members and the supply of essential items like water and food.

Benefits of the Logistics Supply Agreement (LSA)

The LSA offers several advantages. It enables a country to project power in international waters, far from its borders, as its armed forces do not have to carry all the logistics required for sustaining itself at a distant location. This means that a country's surveillance aircraft, fighter aircraft, and warships can enter the airports and ports of the other nation (with which the LSA has been signed) for necessary logistics supply. The agreement also enhances swift response to crisis situations and increases Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA). Furthermore, it helps in maintaining a presence in an area of importance throughout the year, without interruption.

India's Logistics Supply Agreements with Other Countries

Let's now look at the LSAs that India has signed with other countries, including the USA, France, South Korea, and more.

India & USA

To enhance bilateral ties between the Indian and US armed forces, three significant agreements were signed. These include the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA), and the Communication Interoperability and Security Memorandum of Agreement (COMCASA).

India & France

The LSA between India and France aims to promote peace and stability in the Pacific and Indian Ocean region. It also provides for the sharing of maritime intelligence between the navies of the two countries.

India & Australia

India and Australia signed a comprehensive Mutual Logistic Support Agreement (MLSA) in June 2020, emphasizing a shared vision for maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

India & Japan

India and Japan signed an LSA known as the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) in September 2020.

India & Singapore

India and Singapore signed a Logistics support agreement in June 2020, which covers ship-borne helicopters, aircraft, warships, and submarines.

India & South Korea

In September 2019, India signed a mutual support logistics agreement with South Korea, extending the reach of the Indian Navy all the way to the north of the South China Sea.

Additional Resources

For further reading, check out the following resources.